VE celebration to support Old Smithy

A major fundraiser is to take place, in a bid to keep one of the Isle main attractions open.

A VE Anniversary concert is to be staged by the Owston Ferry Society to help keep the Old Smithy in the village afloat.

Tickets are on sale for the 70th anniversary event that will take place on May 8 at the Coronation Hall in Owston ferry, with wartime favourites sung by Miss Marina Mae, a buffet by WI members and 1940s-style dancing. Period dress will be encouraged .

There is much of the Isle’s history recorded in exhibits at the Old Smithy, where the entrance fee is kept to £3 to encourage people to stop by.

Committee member Pat Smith said: “The Smithy costs far more to run than we make from visitors, with insurance, electricity costs and leaflet printing, so this will be an important event to help .”

Other main fundraisers include Santa at the Smithy at Christmas and an October coffee event. Funds are also boosted by sales of items such as horse brasses, keyrings and DVDs of the history of Owston Ferry in the Smithy.

The museum opened in 1992 with the blacksmith’s forge, shoeing shop and tools downstairs, and the museum first floor museum (photo).